Two Firefox OS developer phones hit the market

The first mobile phones running Mozilla’s Firefox OS are shipping today from a small Spanish company called Geekphone. The two budget handsets, the Keon and the Peak, are geared for developers that want to create apps for the new open-source mobile operating system.

Neither handset is overly impressive spec-wise but that’s all part of the plan as Firefox OS is targeting lower income markets like Brazil. Pricing reflects the target audience as the Keon smartphone retails for 110 euros including VAT ($143) while you can expect to shell out 179 euros including VAT ($234) for the Peak. For comparison, the recently released HTC One retails for $575 in the US with Apple’s iPhone 5 starting at $649 unlocked and contract-free.

Keep in mind once again that these handsets are designed with developers in mind. Consumer-oriented smartphones running Firefox OS aren’t expected until later this year when some larger carriers deliver them to market. Either way, Firefox has a lot riding on the success of these two handsets.